Fact Check: The FBI affidavit lists social media threats made by Peter Stinson from 2020 to 2025, including statements suggesting the use of a gun, knife, and poison against President Trump.

Fact Check: "The FBI affidavit lists social media threats made by Peter Stinson from 2020 to 2025, including statements suggesting the use of a gun, knife, and poison against President Trump."

What We Know

Peter Stinson, a former Coast Guard lieutenant, has been arrested and charged with making threats against President Trump. The FBI affidavit, which spans from 2020 to 2025, details numerous social media posts made by Stinson that allegedly include explicit threats involving a gun, knife, and poison directed at Trump. According to CBS News, the affidavit outlines Stinson's statements where he expressed a willingness to "serve in a support capacity" for someone who could carry out an assassination, indicating a serious intent behind his posts. Furthermore, Stinson reportedly made comments about the skills of an attempted assassin shortly after an assassination attempt on Trump, stating, "Just three inches and today would be a different day" (Newsweek).

Analysis

The evidence presented in the FBI affidavit is substantial, as it includes a variety of Stinson's social media posts that explicitly reference violence against Trump. For instance, Stinson allegedly stated, "Would someone just pull the proverbial trigger, please," and expressed a desire to take part in a "contract hit" (CBS News, Newsweek). The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations reporting on a federal investigation.

However, it's important to note that Stinson's defense has claimed that the charges are exaggerated and that he has always advocated for peaceful protest and constitutional remedies, such as impeachment (Newsweek). This introduces a layer of complexity to the narrative, as it suggests that while Stinson's posts may contain violent rhetoric, his intent may be interpreted differently by his supporters.

The FBI's investigation and the subsequent arrest also reflect a broader trend of increasing threats against public officials, a concern echoed by multiple sources (CBS News, Newsweek). This context underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating threats against politicians, particularly in the current political climate.

Conclusion

The claim that the FBI affidavit lists social media threats made by Peter Stinson from 2020 to 2025, including statements suggesting the use of a gun, knife, and poison against President Trump, is True. The evidence from the affidavit and corroborating reports from reputable news sources confirm that Stinson made explicit threats involving various methods of violence against the former president. While there are claims of exaggeration from Stinson's supporters, the documented threats are serious and have led to federal charges.

Sources

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8. Antifa sharpshooter charged with threatening to kill Trump